Shear strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with near-surface mountedfiber-reinforced polymer rods

The use of near-surface mounted (NSM) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rods i s a promising technology for increasing flexural and shear strength of defi cient reinforced concrete (RC) members. As this technology emerges, the str uctural behavior of RC elements strengthened with NSM FRP rods needs to be fully characterized. Eight full-size beams (two control beams and six stren gthened beams) were tested Carbon FRP deformed rods were used for shear str engthening. The variables examined in the shear tests were spacing of the r ods, strengthening pattern, end anchorage of the rods, and presence of inte rnal steel shear reinforcement. Performance of the tested beams and modes o f failure are presented and discussed in this paper The test results confir m that NSM FRP rods can be used to significantly increase the shear capacit y of RC elements, with efficiency that varies depending on the tested varia bles. Results of the experimental tests are compared with the predictions o f a simple model, showing reasonable agreement.